Facepalm: Users should exercise caution before installing the most recent January 2025 Windows updates as there have been reports of numerous issues. Many complaints center on USB DAC drivers, but problems with other devices such as headphones and webcams have also been reported. Although the updates aren't exclusive to Microsoft's recently released Windows 11 24H2, the bugs will likely intensify the controversy surrounding the latest OS version.
Update - Fix Available (Jan 29): Microsoft has released a preview of update KB5050094 for Windows 11 24H2, addressing over two dozen bugs and minor changes. Notably, it fixes a USB audio bug from the previous KB5050009 update. Other fixes include issues with USB cameras, distorted Snipping Tool screenshots, Remote Desktop Gateway errors, and failed cumulative update installations. The update must be installed manually via Settings > Windows Update or downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Recent mandatory patches for Windows 10 and 11 are causing issues with USB connections, Bluetooth devices, and several other functions. Users experiencing problems should consider rolling back to a previous version. Those concerned about potential issues and who have not yet updated their systems this month may want to delay the installation of these patches.
Microsoft released update KB5049981 for Windows 10, KB5050009 for Windows 11 24H2, and KB5050021 for prior Windows 11 versions earlier this month. All three are routine security updates, but Windows Latest reports that KB5050021 introduces minor changes for the date and time settings.
Microsoft's support team has acknowledged certain issues with these updates, including impacts on Open Secure Shell and Citrix components. However, users have reported additional bugs, such as problems with DAC drivers, Wi-Fi connectivity, and USB devices. Windows Latest notes that webcam and Bluetooth headphones stopped working after installing KB5050009. Software-related bugs have also affected tools like the Snipping Tool, the Alt+Tab function, and the Task Manager.
Users can submit complaints to Microsoft through the Feedback Hub app. To roll back to a previous build of Windows, navigate to Settings > System > Recovery > Go Back, if the option is available. To delay an update, go to Settings > Windows Update and select the desired postponement period.
Since the release of Windows 11 24H2 late last year, Microsoft has received numerous complaints. This update, which recently became mandatory, has caused issues with games, SSDs, and other connected devices.
Users with cache-less Western Digital NVMe SSDs should download the company's firmware patch before upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 to avoid BSODs. Additionally, Microsoft temporarily delayed the update for users with certain Ubisoft games installed following reports of crashes, but the affected games have since received patches. Users also reported problems with eSCL-based USB devices like scanners, printers, and modems.
Windows 11 24H2 introduces new features, including Copilot+ GenAI tools like auto-generated captions, super resolution, and an image creator. Other additions include support for Wi-Fi 7, Sudo, remote desktop controls, and more.
Windows users report widespread device issues following January 2025 updates
